AUSTIN — Rep. Jason Isaac (R-Dripping Springs) successfully passed House Bill 2283, which seeks to close a loophole leaving some foster children vulnerable to improper relationships.

“There is a statewide movement to reform our CPS and foster care system, and I’m honored that my bill plays a small role in that movement,” Rep. Isaac said Thursday. “I’m thankful to our Hays County district attorney for bringing this issue to my attention and for his role in protecting children in foster care from abuse.”

Under current state law, improper relationships between employees of certain residential facilities and its residents can be prosecuted as sexual assault. This includes nursing homes, adult day cares, group homes for the mentally disabled, pediatric extended care centers, and similar facilities. Unfortunately, foster group homes were left out. In other words, there is currently no recourse to prosecute a Department of Family and Protective Services employee who engaged in an improper relationship with a foster child above the age of consent.

“I’d like to thank Rep. Isaac for his work to help protect the vulnerable patients in these facilities from those who would otherwise be inclined to take advantage of them,” said Hays County District Attorney Wes Mau.

HB 2283 has been sent to the Texas Senate for consideration, where it must be passed before the legislation can be signed into law by the governor.

Rep. Isaac is a fourth-generation native Texan who has served House District 45 since 2011. He is the vice president of the Texas Conservative Coalition, the conservative caucus in the Texas Legislature, and founding chair of the Hill Country Caucus. He is proud to represent Hays and Blanco counties and lives in Drippings Springs with his wife, Carrie, and two sons.